As President Barack Obama begins the second half of his first term in office, he should not ignore the Latino vote and must fulfill his campaign promise to pass a comprehensive immigration reform. His policy of creating jobs is unattainable without embracing the economic benefits of immigration.

According to a recent report by the Center for American Progress, "Comprehensive immigration reform will generate $1.5 trillion in gross domestic product, accumulated over 10 years, so that good quality jobs for all workers will increase."

Besides creating jobs for the defense of this legislation, the President could express his gratitude to the Latino voters who voted for him in 2008 and has also helped the Democratic Party to maintain its majority in the United States Senate in the midterm elections.

The President can point to the xenophobic attitude of the majority Republican Party. But the loyalty of the growing Hispanic community to the Democratic Party will only come through courting the Latino electorate in key states.

In its analysis, "Election 2010 Fact Sheet," the Pew Hispanic Center indicates that the four swing states that Obama won in 2008 with a high percentage of Latino voters: Colorado 13%, New Mexico 38%, 15% of Florida and Nevada 14%. And Obama will need those votes that are crucial to winning a second term.If the President needs a reminder of the importance of the Latino vote, just talk to two of his colleagues in the Democratic Party who just won reelection by the Latino vote: the President of Senate Majority Harry Reid Nevada and Sen. Michael Bennett in Colorado.

Roberto Perez is host and producer of The Perez Notesinternet radio program. He can be reached at robperez76@gmail.com.